1.10 Haven

Rating: 2

Upon arrival at a planet renowned for its mystical healing qualities, Troi is surprised to find out that she is betrothed to marry a friend of the family, a human who has always dreamed of a special woman.

Comments

This is the first episode since Encounter at Farpoint that touched me emotionally. When Deanna’s fiancée decides to join the ship of plague victims, it is very moving.

We are introduced to Troi’s mother Lwaxana (played by Majel Barrett). Barrett adds a lot of life and humor to the episode.

William Ware Theiss’ costumes for Ariana and the women on the planet are again beautiful and revealing yet tasteful.

Nits

Because TV shows have limited budgets, we learn about the history of the Tarellians in a staff meeting. Because it is an ensemble cast, everyone knows their history and each person gets to say a line. It just comes off as slightly contrived.

When Wyatt beams over to the Tarellian ship, as he speaks to the group of people, Ariana, his mystery woman, is nowhere to be seen. After a little while, she walks out from the back of the group to greet him. In earlier shots, you can see she had been standing directly behind (literally, hiding behind) an older woman. Note that this is done for dramatic effect, but really doesn’t make sense. When Wyatt beamed over, it would be more natural for a group of curious humanoids (who have always dreamed of him like a god) to want to get a glimpse of him immediately, not hide directly behind another person.

In the meeting to discuss the Tarellians, Yar’s hair has popped up on top of her head like a scared animal – a very bad hair day.

With Riker pensive on the holodeck, Troi enters and the doors make a loud whooshing sound. Then Wyatt surprises the two as they speak – he is able to surprise them because the doors don’t make any sound when he enters. When Riker leaves, the doors go back to making their usual whooshing sound.

Memorable Moments

•    When Troi, Lwaxana and Picard get into the turbolift, Lwaxana continues to talk non-stop, until Picard raises his hand, just slightly. She stops talking momentarily, long enough for him to give a voice command ("Passenger accommodations"), then she continues babbling. The timing is excellent.